Attachable and detachable fluid collector assembly for extension poles

ABSTRACT

An attachable and detachable collector assembly for collecting fluid samples from a swimming pool, pond, or the like comprising of an attachable and detachable plastic material formed into a collection chamber base for collecting and temporarily storing fluid samples. The attachable and detachable collector includes a top open portion with a throat support frame and a bottom closed portion forming a collection chamber to store fluid samples. The attachable and detachable collector can be used with or without a collector bottle to collect fluid samples within its collection chamber. An extension pole is attached to the end of the throat support frame for holding and for manipulating and moving the attachable and detachable collector assembly below the water&#39;s surface to collect and remove fluid samples. Also provided is a means for attaching the frame to the pole through a flexible clip. The means, when depressed retracts allowing the throat support frame to easy slide into the extension pole, when released it expands allowing the throat support frame portion of the collector to lock to the extension pole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to improving the task of collecting and removing fluid samples from swimming pools and other bodies of fluid. More particularly, to an improved attachable and detachable assembly for making the task of collecting and removing fluid samples beneath the water's surface more efficient.

Description of the Prior Art

Collection bottles for collecting water samples from swimming pools and other bodies of fluid have been known and used in the past. Typically, a conventional collection bottle is constructed of a circular shape and made of a translucent material which involves the user to use their hand to reach under the water's surface in a swimming pool, or man-made pond to collect fluid samples. The typical collection bottle usually requires the user to bend, stoop, squat, or lay on their abdomen to reach below the surface at elbow length to retrieve a fluid sample.

Since the user is limited to using only their hands and body to retrieve a fluid sample, this makes for a physically challenging task. Also, the user is limited as to how far they can reach with their arm to acquire a fluid sample, thus making it unlikely for the user to get an accurate fluid sample. The conventional method of reaching into the water to get a proper fluid sample also entails the user having to get their hands saturated with the fluid.

Due to the drawbacks of the present process which requires a user to collect fluid samples manually, there is a need for an improvement to avoid the above inconveniences. The present invention allows the user to fulfill their fluid collection needs more efficiently and with ease by using the said attachable and detachable fluid collection assembly.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the new invention.

Thus, there is a need for the present invention to address and resolve the lack of prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an attachable and detachable assembly for collecting fluid samples from a swimming pool, pond, or the like. It is comprised of a plastic or plastic like material in which fluid can be collected into a chamber to temporarily store the fluid samples. The collector has a top open portion, an attaching throat support frame, and a closed bottom collection chamber portion. The collection chamber acts as a support chamber for a plastic fluid container. A pole or extension rod is attached to the end of the throat support frame for holding and manipulating the device through the water. Also provided is a means for attaching the frame to the pole through a flexible clip. The flexible clip, when depressed retracts allowing the support frame to easily slide into the extension rod. When the flexible clip is released it expands allowing the support frame portion of the collector to lock to the extension rod.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is to provide the user with the means to maintain a vertical standing position while the collector is attached to an extension pole and is lowered and manipulated below the water's surface.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a collection assembly that is easy to use, cost effective to manufacture, and attaches and detaches to an extension pole with ease; allowing for adaptability.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a collection assembly where the user does not have to place their hands in the fluid to retrieve the fluid samples, that is lightweight, and a suitable geometric shape. Also, a collection assembly that collects more accurate fluid samples due to collections at various positions and depths with in the pool.

Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following specifications when considered in light of the attached drawings wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool, showing the way in which the improved attachable and detachable fluid assembly is used in contrast with the use of prior art collection bottle of FIG. 3 to collect the fluid samples from the swimming pool.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view taken from FIG. 1 of the assembly of the present invention showing the attached position of the attachable and detachable collector assembly.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken from FIG. 1 of the typical prior art collection bottle and is showing how the user must use their hand and lay on their abdomen to retrieve a fluid sample.

FIG. 4 is an expanded perspective view of the assembly which illustrates how the user assembles the present invention to the expansion rod with a flex clip and inserts the collector bottle.

FIG. 5 is an expanded isometric perspective view of the assembly illustrating how the user assembles the present invention to the expansion rod with the flex clip and inserts of the collector bottle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a left plan view of the present invention of the attachable detachable collector assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front plan view of the present invention of the attachable and detachable collector assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a right plan view of the present invention of the attachable and detachable collector assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front plan view of the present invention of the attachable and detachable collector assembly.

FIG. 11 illustrates a back-plan view of the present invention of the attachable and detachable collector assembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 6 of the present invention of the attachable and detachable collector to illustrate the flex clip.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the present invention of the attachable and detachable collector assembly.

FIG. 14 illustrates bottom plan view of the present invention of the attachable and detachable collector indicating a collection chamber with a solid bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The attachable and detachable fluid assembly of the present invention broadly denoted by the numeral 1 and is shown schematically in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. The attachable and detachable fluid assembly is comprised of a throat attachment frame 2, having flex clip openings 3, a collection chamber 4, a large open end 5, a closed end 6, a flex clip 7, collection bottle 8 and pole 9. The attachable and detachable collector assembly 1 and detail parts is comprised of preferably rigid plastic material but can be derived of other materials such as aluminum. The most effective material process to achieve the intended design is forming, stamping, injection molding or extrusion of plastic.

FIG. 1 shows the perspective view of the attachable and detachable fluid assembly 1 with extension pole 9 in the attached position. The extension pole 9 in the extended position with attachable and detachable fluid collector assembly 1 allows the collection chamber 4 to fill with fluid at different depths. If the collection bottle 8 is attached to the attachable detachable fluid collector assemble 1 the collection bottle 8 will fill with fluid.

FIGS. 2, 3 show enlarged views taken from FIG. 1 to show the contrast between the prior art of a typical collector bottle 13 and the attachable detachable fluid collector 1. FIG. 2 displays the attachable and detachable fluid collector assembly 1 in its attached position. FIG. 3 shows how the prior art is inconvenient and the user must hold the collector bottle 13 in their hand to collect a sample.

FIGS. 4, 5 show the expanded perspective views of the attachable and detachable fluid collector assembly 1 and how the assembly is assembled. The flex clip 7 has tabs 11 that are pressed together allowing the flex clip 7 to slide into the throat attachment frame 2 when released the flex clip 7 locks into the throat attachment frame 2. The throat attachment frame 2 with the flex clip 7 is then slid into the open end 12 of the expansion pole 9 securing the flex clip 7 to the pole flex clip opening 10. Pole 9 can be a single unit or telescopic in nature to permit the attachable and detachable fluid collector 1 to elongate and reach greater distances and depths throughout the pool.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 show plan views which help to depict how the attachable and detachable fluid assemble 1 is in the attached position and connected to the expansion pole 9. The throat attachment frame 2 is locked into place with the flex clip tabs 11 and expanded through the extension pole flex clip opening 10 to lock the throat attachment frame into position. The collection bottle 8 is then inserted into large open end 5 and it held into place with the friction of the surface of the collection bottle 8 and the inner surface of the large open end 5. the collection chamber 4 acts as a support to help the collector bottle 8 have stability when maneuvering through the fluid. The closed end 6 acts as a shelf when using a collection bottle 8.

FIGS. 9, and 12 show cross-sectional views of the of the attachable and detachable fluid collection assembly locked together using the flex clip 7. The locking of the flex clip 7 to the throat attachment frame 2 and the extension pole 9 allows for a strong fastened connection.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show plan views of the top and bottom of the attachable and detachable fluid assembly 1. FIG. 13 shows a top view of the engaged flex clip 7 passing through the extension pole 9 to lock the throat attachment 2 into a locked position. FIG. 14 shows a closed bottom 6 of the attachable and detachable fluid collector assembly 1 and how it supplies a rigid shelf for the collector bottle 8

Collection chamber 4 is typically round in shape, though other geometric shapes including oval, rectangular, and triangular shapes may be employed. The dimension(s) of collection chamber 4 may vary depending on the size and shape of collection bottle 8. Typically, the components that comprise the attachable and detachable collection assembly 1 are made with weight, strength, and cost being the most significant factors that are considered in selecting the materials to employ.

While the invention will be described in connection with a certain preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that particular embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended. 

1. An attachable and detachable fluid collection assembly for collecting, storing, and removing fluid samples from a swimming pool or body of fluid comprising: A base for collecting said fluid, said base having a top open portion, and a solid bottom portion. A frame for supporting the base. An attachment throat frame for attaching to said pole. A flex clip or pin that provides a means to lock the throat attachment frame to the said extension pole. A collector bottle for maintaining fluid sample in said collection chamber. A pole attached to said attachment throat frame to provide the means for holding or manipulating said assembly.
 2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bottom collection chamber is round in shaped.
 3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bottom collection chamber is triangular in shape.
 4. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said collection chamber is square or rectangular in shape.
 5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said collection chamber is oval in shape.
 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said collection assembly acts as a weight to assist said device in more easily reaching under the water's surface to collect and store fluid.
 7. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said collection chamber is used in conjunction to hold said collection bottle.
 8. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein mounting the pole on the frame includes means for securing the pole in any one fixed position with respect to the frame.
 9. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, where said frame has throat attachment frame, there being a flex clip or pin mounting near the end of the throat, said means for securing the end of the pole to the said assembly. 